"It's Never Too Early to Start Preparing." / Advice for an Equine Vet Hopeful?

[sarsully]

It's something literally everyone says: "It's never too early to start preparing." I think every teacher or counselor I've ever spoken to has at one point said that to me, and I never really factored that in during high school. Don't get me wrong, I'm an A student (okay, fine, give or take a small handful of Bs in APs), and I took challenging courses and participated in Science Olympiad, but I didn't get involved in my high school, I didn't start volunteering until this year, and I didn't go out searching too actively for a job. But, after reading some of the posts on here, I'm definitely going to start taking that saying to heart for college.

So, anyone have any specific bits of advice for high school seniors looking to become pre-veterinary? I did try the search function, don't worry; this is slightly more specific than your average free-for-all advice hunt.

I'm really looking to be an Equine Veterinarian in the future, and, even more specifically, I really want to work with racehorses. Obviously, I don't mind not having that option for a while and everything, but it would be my goal to work with racehorses specifically. Perhaps orthopedics, even more specifically, if it isn't too possible to work solely with racehorses? Can one work solely with racehorses? Would it just be about making the right connections and establishing oneself in the field, or is there more too it?

I have experience with horses, though not too terribly much. My sister had a few horses growing up, and she'd been active in riding literally her whole life, and graduated with an equine and business double major. I never had the chance to get really into riding, because of monetary issues (she had a different father, and had money from him to support riding, whereas I did not), but I was with her often, can handle them, have ridden them (just not competitively or extremely well), and all of that good stuff. I've got more personal experience with small animal, because I've been in charge of our dogs, and I volunteer at my local SPCA and have shadowed our dog's vet. That being said, will not having ridden competitively like her inhibit me from pursuing an undergraduate degree in Equine Science?

My plan of action right now is major in Equine Science somewhere, but I've got a back up plan of majoring in something like Biology. As long as I satisfy the requirements for getting into a veterinary school, and maintain a competitive GPA and all of that stuff, does it matter if I major in something like Equine Science versus Biology?

And on that note: how much does the actual school you go to for your undergrad matter in the eyes of the admissions staff at most vet schools? I'm applying to several undergraduate schools from Boston College and Duke University through some state schools like North Carolina State University (my in-state school) and Colorado State University. However, my number one, at the moment, is the University of Kentucky. Is it better to go to CSU or NCSU to get your foot-in-the-door to a vet school, so to speak, or is it better to go to a school like Duke or BC for the "higher academics and bigger name", or is it better to go to a school like UK because of the heaps of experience in racehorse-specific that I could potentially acquire? Or am I over-thinking how much it matters?

...I asked a lot of questions, and typed a lot out. I think I'll curb my inquisitive mind for a bit, and leave anyone kind enough to answer with an almost-reasonable list. Seriously though, whatever bits of advice or answers you're willing to give would be HUGELY appreciated. 😍

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[RackingHorse]

There are a lot of threads on here that deal with how to get started. So you can probably search for some of those to help answer some you're questions. If you are currently or have shadowed in the past for a veterinarian, you need to start writing those hours down and keep track of when and who you got those hours with. As far as getting into an equine science program, I don't think that you will have any problem. Just FYI if you are currently looking for a college to attend that has an equine science program, MTSU has one of the better ones in the country. Here is there website.

http://frank.mtsu.edu/~horsesci/

 

[Bismarck]

Stuff

You clearly have done some thinking about the road ahead (which is good). Experience-wise, you should try to develop a relationship with an equine vet in your area (race horses even better, but start small.) If this is something important to you, consider driving several hours here and there to get that experience as you will need it on your application. Imagine trying to convince the admissions committee that you want to work with horses (specifically, racehorses) while never having touched one or worked frequently with a vet that does! You have plenty of time to do all this so no pressure obviously.

As far as undergrad goes, pick a school with a program that meets your educational and social needs. No one school is a pipeline for DVM-caliber applicants. Ideally, a strong state school with a solid science curriculum strikes a balance between cost and quality of education (UNC would be a good bet I think). In addition, high academic achievement trumps a name on a piece of paper. As far as major goes, pick something related to your interests. Animal Science, Equine Science, Dairy Science, etc are popular majors for pre-vets, but remember that many pre-req courses will fall in other departments. You could major in underwater basket-weaving and probably get into vet school if you aced your pre-reqs and had a compelling reason to study it🙂

I'm no horseman, but this is pretty solid advice for anyone contemplating pre-vet. Hope this helps you a bit.

 

[Trematode]

My advice is not to get discouraged. If you cannot find an equine vet ASAP, continue shadowing and/or volunteering at a shelter because a large number of hours looks great no matter what field it is in. Even though you are interested in equine, schools focus a lot on small animal, so it would beneficial to get experience in that area as well. Also, other extracurriculars look good as well and show that you are well-rounded. If you can do good AND keep up your grades, you will be set. 🙂.

 

[that redhead]

Can one work solely with racehorses? Would it just be about making the right connections and establishing oneself in the field, or is there more too it?

Yes, you can work solely with racehorses if that's what you want to do. In racing, connections are a big part of it, but so is reputation. As you're building your connections in the industry, remember to conduct yourself in a professional manner, even if you aren't a vet yet. People will remember.

As long as I satisfy the requirements for getting into a veterinary school, and maintain a competitive GPA and all of that stuff, does it matter if I major in something like Equine Science versus Biology?

It doesn't matter, so long as you satisfy requirements and do well in your courses. One thing to consider, though, is the job market for your degree in case you don't get in, either the first time or at all. I think that an equine science degree is a valid one, but might not give you as much wiggle room if/when you apply for jobs as a more broad degree like biology. Some may disagree with me, but's it's my opinion that a broader degree may be more marketable for your back-up plan.

And on that note: how much does the actual school you go to for your undergrad matter in the eyes of the admissions staff at most vet schools? ...or is it better to go to a school like UK because of the heaps of experience in racehorse-specific that I could potentially acquire?

Undergrad doesn't matter, either. In regards to the opportunities you will have, location will have a bigger influence. So yes, going to UK will likely get you better access and connections to working/interning/volunteering in the racing industry. But (and I know this is annoying to hear), you may change your mind and you don't want to paint yourself into the corner, so to speak. Go to a place that will afford you a bunch of different opportunities in a variety of fields, not just racing. While some schools want more goal-specific experience, I think they all value breadth of experience as well. In my opinion, experiencing a wide range of fields allows you to say, "Well, I've tried all of these things and I still like racing best" as opposed to, "Well, I've only done racing but I like it." Just sounds more convincing, in my mind.

 

[Fireflysushi]

My advice as far as undergrad goes is to go somewhere where you will get a lot of animal experience in your courses/ extra curiculars. It sounds like going to UK would be a great option for you because you would be around racehorses a lot. I can tell you that going to CSU does not get you an "in" at CSU. I think tey have a limit on how many CSU students they can allow in (at least in-state students) so they don't seem partial. Go somewhere that you will do well in undergrad because you love your major! If your school has a student run farm get involved in that. Don't fret about not coming into college with a ton of experience, but do know that you will need to really push yourself while in college to get enough hours while staying competitive with your Gpa. Good luck and have fun!

 

[FutResearchVet]

Look into unique aspects of equine medicine, such as equine research, in addition to clinical equine experience. I am sure UK has some equine research on campus. That shows the admission committees that you have a broader understanding of equine medicine.

 

[moosenanny]

So yes, going to UK will likely get you better access and connections to working/interning/volunteering in the racing industry.

Alternatively, you can go to school elsewhere and set up summer shadowing experiences/internships with people in Kentucky and get your vet experience hours that way.

 

[kakurubird]

To get more horse experience, I'd also suggest looking for a therapeutic riding facility to volunteer at. Most places are always looking for volunteers to lead horses during lessons and to help with barn tasks. Once they get to know you there, it's also a good "in" for getting in contact with an equine vet in the area who might be open to shadowing.

 

[sarsully]

First off, thank you all for all the quick and helpful responses! I can't believe the number of replies I got just while I was down at the shelter. 🙂

Here is there website.

I did search for the general stuff, and I'll definitely continue to do so, but I just wanted to get more specific answers on the racehorse stuff. Thanks for the suggestion, though! I'll definitely take it into consideration.

Hope this helps you a bit.

Oh, it did, it did! Thank you so very much! That makes sense, needing to spend more time with the horses, as well as with the undergrad comments. I'm glad to know your choice of major isn't a deal breaker, assuming everything else is in order. 🙂

My advice is not to get discouraged.

That's a good thing to be reminded of; thank you. Out of curiosity, do you know if certain schools are more equine-focused than others, or is it just a general, everyone-is-focused-on-small-animal kind of thing?

Yes, you can work solely with racehorses if that's what you want to do.

I'm glad to hear it! My mother told me I was being overly specific with my goals, but she doesn't know much about the veterinary medical field, only the human one, so I didn't put too much stock in her words. Thank you so very much for answering so many of my questions!

You also raise a very good point; a degree in Equine Science doesn't really get me anywhere for a job, should I not be able to go to Vet School right away/ever. Biology would probably be much easier to find a job for, you're right, though I personally think I would absolutely hate most jobs that a Biology degree would get me. I'm thinking I might try to major in something non-Agriculture based. My sister did a Business major and an Equine Studies major, and she said it wasn't too difficult to pull that off, so it's something to consider.

Good luck and have fun!

Thank you so much! It really put me at ease to know it's not too troubling to not have had too much experience to start. And it's good to know that vet schools try not to take too many of their own undergrads into grad school; it makes complete sense, but it's something that I hadn't even considered. That information could definitely change my decision when I have to make it; thank you!

That shows the admission committees that you have a broader understanding of equine medicine.

That's a great tip; thank you!

Alternatively, you can go to school elsewhere and set up summer shadowing experiences/internships with people in Kentucky and get your vet experience hours that way.

Touché. I think I might be working with my sister's vet or actually working at the animal shelter I volunteer at during the summers (depending on how things work out), but you're completely right -- it's not like I'm only allowed to find opportunities right around where I go to school.

To get more horse experience, I'd also suggest looking for a therapeutic riding facility to volunteer at.

Oh, I hadn't even thought of that! Good suggestion! There isn't one in my immediate area (just searched now 🙂), but it's definitely something to keep an eye open for when I'm looking into colleges.

 

[kakurubird]

To get more horse experience, I'd also suggest looking for a therapeutic riding facility to volunteer at.

Oh, I hadn't even thought of that! Good suggestion! There isn't one in my immediate area (just searched now 🙂), but it's definitely something to keep an eye open for when I'm looking into colleges.

This is something you're probably more likely to have thought of, but also try searching for horse rescues. Plenty of chances to get time doing barn chores and handling horses, and should have good relationships with their vets, so, again, a great "in" once you get to know people there.

The large state schools and schools with equine science programs are also likely to have good lesson programs and equine clubs, so even if you aren't an equine studies major, there will likely be tons of opportunities to do more horse stuff.

Also, a summer suggestion: google KESMARC. While it wouldn't technically be a veterinary experience (I think), their internship programs seem (based on their website at least) to be pretty awesome and they do some really interesting things (in both KY and FL, which have big racing and horse in general communities).

 

[twelvetigers]

Off topic, congrats on figuring out the multiquote so fast. Maybe you're just familiar with php type forums, but we have 5 year members that still don't have it figured out.

On topic, you are good to plan for things so far in advance. Be careful not to burn yourself out, though. Do lots of things you're interested in while in college! Take your time, have some fun. Just keep the grades up too. 🙂

 

[HelloNello]

You might contact a racetrack in your area. I did and they offered to let me help with testing the horses for drugs. I don't know much about the equine world, but maybe its a step in the door? Goodluck and welcome to the craziness 🙂

 

[sunshinevet]

Just wanted to say, if you have no experience with the horse racing industry, I suggest getting some - not nessercerrily with a vet. It is a very *interesting* industry, and I think people either love it or hate it, and you really wont know for sure until your in the throng. Either contact the racetrack because they are usually always looking for people in various positions, or contact training stables because they are usually always looking for stablehands, strappers etc. I know plenty of equine vets who want have nothing to do with the racing industry, and so i think maybe you should look at assessing whether you want to be an equine vet and whether you want to be a horseracing vet seperately.

Horseracing is a mixture of who you know and what you know. Everyone really and truly does know everyone, and everyone is concerned with everyone elses business. And people in the industry have very, very VERY long memories - usually because people are in the industry for life, they dont tend to come and go. So, as one of the previous posters said, make sure you do conduct yourself with professionalism and discretion at all times 🙂 One small thing can come back to bite you in a big way.

And yes, in the big racing areas, there are definately vets that do nothing but racing work.

But most importantly, good luck and have fun!!!

 

[Trematode]

That's a good thing to be reminded of; thank you. Out of curiosity, do you know if certain schools are more equine-focused than others, or is it just a general, everyone-is-focused-on-small-animal kind of thing?

Someone else will have to answer this or you will just have to poke around the school websites. 🙂. For instance, the University of Calgary website (which I assumed would focus more on equine based on the area) says they have an emphasis in "Equine health population and individual equine health and medicine: educating veterinarians to meet the needs of the horse industry and horse owner." (http://vet.ucalgary.ca/dvm_undergraduate_program). I do not know much about the US schools. All I know is that some schools have more courses geared towards equine, aquaculture, wildlife, exotics, zoo, etc. than others do. Good luck. 🙂.

 

[ky261682]

For instance, the University of Calgary website (which I assumed would focus more on equine based on the area) says they have an emphasis in "Equine health population and individual equine health and medicine: educating veterinarians to meet the needs of the horse industry and horse owner." (http://vet.ucalgary.ca/dvm_undergraduate_program).

The University of Calgary DVM program only accepts Alberta residents. I'm assuming you are from the U.S. so you would have to move to Alberta and become a landed immigrant (I think).

You would get tons of horse experience in Alberta but it would probably be easier for you to stay in the States. Good luck!

 

[Trematode]

Yeah, you have to be there for a year without attending any post-secondary institution.

I will admit, Calgary is a BAD example. 🙄. You just have to know where to look when you are on a vet school site.

 

[PetPony]

Before I went to college, I was looking into Equine Sciences also. I've been riding my whole life pretty much and do wanna be an equine vet. I did get a lot of comments though that Equine Sciences may not be the best major, because if you end up not getting into veterinary school, there will not be too many opportunities for you after undergrad.

Even if I do not get into vet school, I still want to work with animals. Maybe on a dairy or horse farm. Not sure yet. I will see what comes up, but I would be happy with either one. So I chose my major to prepare for that industry. I'm an Animal Science major at the University of Georgia and I absolutely LOVE it so far. I'm only a freshman, but still. 😉

There are so many opportunities here. Unlike many other majors that only take core classes first year, I already have a hands-on animal science class. Just first semester, we vaccinate horses and cows, trim sheep feet, freeze brand beef cattle, palpate dairy cattle and just last week, we learned how to castrate piglets. Beef cattle will soon follow that! And if you want to take many equine-focused classes, you can choose an emphasis for your animal science major. I am doing the Equine Science Management path. So while you still learn about other LA species, you are mostly focused on horses. The best of both world in my opinion! Next semester will be my only semester that I won't be actively working with animal in a class (and that only because that one lab is optional and I want that extra time to focus on gen chem II).

And it's not just the classes for your major/prereqs. I was already offered to participate in equine research with a professor, but sadly I do not have the time to go to Augusta with her for this specific one, because I have classes during those times. I sometimes attend lectures at the vet school that are open to the public. You can do internships at the university owned beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep and swine farms. I'm not sure about the horses as we have only been at the Equestrian Team's barn so far. They also really encourage you to apply to internships that are over the summer or during semesters, for example the KESMARC one. The college of ag is wonderful here and I am so happy I chose to come here.

So if you don't care which state you want your school to be in, I think UGA would be a great choice! But I guess I am a bit biased. 😉

I am planning to go into vet school as a mixed animal vet student, but I do want to have a certain focus on horses. Due to the market, I think it might be a good idea to no only focus on just equine and because I am interested in so many things anyways, I don't want to limit myself to just that one path. Although I do plan on doing a residency with horses hopefully. I am really interested in their anatomy and how different factors impact them and so on. I plan on getting a certificate for massages and electrotherapy maybe. Or equine physical therapy in general. So while I want to be a vet for SA and LA, I do want to have a very broad education about horses. Instead of referring people to other specialists for these things, I want to be able to say that I can do them all myself. :] I know it will take a long time to do all of these things, but in my opinion you should never quit learning new things anyways. keep educating yourself wherever possible!

(I'm also looking for an internship with a race barn right now. I think it'd be awesome to do something like that to find out if you really do want to go that route because I have heard from many people that it really is not for everybody.)

 

[ky261682]

Yeah, you have to be there for a year without attending any post-secondary institution.

I will admit, Calgary is a BAD example. 🙄. You just have to know where to look when you are on a vet school site.

Calgary wasn't a bad example. I was just pointing out it might be trickier to go there than just staying in the U.S.

For what it is worth, I love Alberta and would recommend moving there if interested. I am a native Albertan, so I'm a bit biased 😛

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Off topic, congrats on figuring out the multiquote so fast. Maybe you're just familiar with php type forums, but we have 5 year members that still don't have it figured out.

HEY

😡

YOne thing to consider, though, is the job market for your degree in case you don't get in, either the first time or at all. I think that an equine science degree is a valid one, but might not give you as much wiggle room if/when you apply for jobs as a more broad degree like biology. Some may disagree with me, but's it's my opinion that a broader degree may be more marketable for your back-up plan.

I agree with this 100%

Pigeonholing yourself too early can become a problem if, for whatever reason, veterinary school does not work out.

 

[Ben and Me]

Just wanted to say, if you have no experience with the horse racing industry, I suggest getting some - not nessercerrily with a vet. It is a very *interesting* industry, and I think people either love it or hate it, and you really wont know for sure until your in the throng. Either contact the racetrack because they are usually always looking for people in various positions, or contact training stables because they are usually always looking for stablehands, strappers etc. I know plenty of equine vets who want have nothing to do with the racing industry, and so i think maybe you should look at assessing whether you want to be an equine vet and whether you want to be a horseracing vet seperately.

Horseracing is a mixture of who you know and what you know. Everyone really and truly does know everyone, and everyone is concerned with everyone elses business. And people in the industry have very, very VERY long memories - usually because people are in the industry for life, they dont tend to come and go. So, as one of the previous posters said, make sure you do conduct yourself with professionalism and discretion at all times 🙂 One small thing can come back to bite you in a big way.

And yes, in the big racing areas, there are definately vets that do nothing but racing work.

But most importantly, good luck and have fun!!!

The only problem with this plan is that North Carolina has no racing industry. Our only legalized gambling is the lottery (and that is a pretty recent addition!) and without betting...No racetracks! So, until the OP leaves for college....

An idea: I came across this internship program a few months ago. Kesmarc is pretty phenomenal -- if you could find accommodations for a few weeks, might be a great way to see the Kentucky TB industry and get a bit of veterinary experience. http://www.kesmarc.com/internships.html

OP, I would check out the NCSU website and try to attend one of their "Prospective Students" meetings. They sit you down, show you a powerpoint and go over their admissions requirements. They are a little unique in their admissions process, so it's good to know what they want from the get-go (IMHO).

Also, you don't have to limit yourself to Equine Science or Biology...I was an English major. You can major in anything you want as long as you complete the prerequisites.

 

[sunshinevet]

The only problem with this plan is that North Carolina has no racing industry. Our only legalized gambling is the lottery (and that is a pretty recent addition!) and without betting...No racetracks!

😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

thats insane!!! (and in my opinion, awesome, but thats beside the point).

I guess once your involved in the industry, people really do act as though horse racing is what makes the world turn and it cannot possibly stop for ANYTHING. Its such a huge industry here in oz (like, a country town is not complete without a pub, a general store and a racetrack - towns of ~300 people will still have a damn racetrack!) it never ever ever occurred to me that there were places that had no racetracks/racing industry

Are there any other states like this? Soooooooooo interesting!!! Did they used to have horseracing and then it was abolished, or have they never really had it?

 

[PetPony]

Georgia doesn't have a racing industry. It has some stables, but they mostly just go to Florida then. They are thinking about legalizing betting, so they can start up a racing industry here. But without betting, there won't be races. People are fine with watching races on tv, but if they have the possibility of making money, they will go to the actual event.

I'm taking a horse racing class this semester and some gov't people came to talk to my professor to ask questions about the industry itself, sustainability and such things.

 

[sarsully]

Here's the first batch of my responses:

This is something you're probably more likely to have thought of, but also try searching for horse rescues....Also, a summer suggestion: google KESMARC.

I had thought of the rescues, yes, but thanks for reminding me! I'm compiling a list of things to check out from all the tips I've received, and I hadn't written that down yet.

And I took your advice with the KESMARC search, and holy cow! That sounds unbelievable! Seriously, I can't even begin to thank you for suggesting that; it's really quite perfect. The only thing that confuses me with it is that it doesn't accept applications until May, for the following summer, and says it would last three months to a year (I'm looking at the "DERBY Program"). Granted, I haven't really looked into what normal college internships are yet, but, considering three months would be (probably?) June-July-August, and classes generally start in August, would it be acceptable to be late to school for that? Or is it something that most people would just do the internship through the first semester?

Feel free to tell me to just go look it up; I just got excited and ranted on before doing my own homework on it. If you have the chance though, I'm not asking for anything specific to the program, just in general with internships and whatnot.

Off topic, congrats on figuring out the multiquote so fast.

Thank you! c: Granted, I'm totally going about it the long way, I'm sure, and just checking the 'quote' for each post, but yes, I do have some experience with other forums with similar programs, so I did have an unfair advantage.

Very good advice; I do tend to burn myself out... That's basically what I did through High School, burned out my ability to really enjoy some of my classes, but I think with more choices as to what classes can be chosen, and less worries about "oh, I can't take that class, it's ACADEMIC level", I'll hopefully be much better in college. 🙂

You might contact a racetrack in your area.

Thanks for the warm welcome! And that's something I'd definitely try to do wherever I go to school. Unfortunately, as Ben and Me mentioned, the only problem with finding one in my area is that North Carolina doesn't allow for them. As mentioned, we only just got lottery tickets here -- they're very anti-gambling.

Just wanted to say, if you have no experience with the horse racing industry, I suggest getting some - not nessercerrily with a vet.

You're completely right, I do need to get more experience with the industry itself before making an ultimate decision. I am pretty certain that I do want to be an equine vet to begin with, whether or not I end up working with racehorses. Working with them is just what I *think* I really want to do, but of course I do not know for sure until I get the experience, as you said.

I know the industry has good and bad aspects; I'm not so naive as to think it's all glitz and glamour, and all of the horses are treated 100% fairly (Though, to be fair, I think /every/ area of specialization has animals that aren't treated completely ethically). But if you were alluding to the cruelty that can be present in the industry, I am aware of it. Is it strange to say that it only makes me want to work with them more so, so that at least I could be sure /some/ aspect of their lives involves care and compassion, regardless of winning or losing. And, as a disclaimer for those skimming, I am not in any way suggesting every animal is abused in the racing industry; that's not my personal opinion of the matter. I'm just acknowledging that there are those who are.

I will try to have fun, and thank you for the tips! I had figured the industry would be very much based on your connections, but it's good to double check!

All I know is that some schools have more courses geared towards equine, aquaculture, wildlife, exotics, zoo, etc. than others do. Good luck. 🙂.

Oh, I don't mind poking around a bit on myself, I was just curious to see if you knew off the top of your head; thanks anyways! 🙂

And that's good to know; I'll definitely be focusing in on which schools have more of an equine focus when I figure out which schools I'll be applying to!

----

I'll respond to everyone else as soon as I get back from school! I hadn't realized there would be this many responses, or else I would've signed in earlier to start responding!

Thank you all so very much! Truly, I never realized how welcoming and helpful this community would be -- I'm so glad to have stumbled upon it!

 

[kakurubird]

And I took your advice with the KESMARC search, and holy cow! That sounds unbelievable! Seriously, I can't even begin to thank you for suggesting that; it's really quite perfect. The only thing that confuses me with it is that it doesn't accept applications until May, for the following summer, and says it would last three months to a year (I'm looking at the "DERBY Program"). Granted, I haven't really looked into what normal college internships are yet, but, considering three months would be (probably?) June-July-August, and classes generally start in August, would it be acceptable to be late to school for that? Or is it something that most people would just do the internship through the first semester?

Most colleges tend to start in September, though some start in August. However, if you're starting in August, or even in September, you'll probably be finishing classes early to mid-May, so there's time in there for 10-12 weeks, even if it's not three months by name of the month. So, you might schedule it from mid-May to mid-August, depending on your school's calendar.

 

[sarsully]

Sorry, guys! This took longer than expected because my sister's birthday was yesterday, and we all went out with her until late, then went to the spa with her this morning.

The University of Calgary DVM program only accepts Alberta residents.

Thanks for the tip, I hadn't known that! I knew that Canadian schools allowed Canadian applicants to only apply to their one designated school, but I hadn't known they didn't allow international applications.

(I'm also looking for an internship with a race barn right now. I think it'd be awesome to do something like that to find out if you really do want to go that route because I have heard from many people that it really is not for everybody.)

I visited Athens not too long ago (my dad made me visit all of his favorite football colleges), and though I was not a huge fan of the town itself, the campus was absolutely beautiful (minus the parts under construction, obviously)! I hadn't known that they had a strong animal science program, though. I'm not too terribly picky with which state I'm in, but I do have a bit of trouble with most of the heat. I am thinking I'll try to not go further south than North Carolina, but I'll definitely reconsider UGA! Thanks for the suggestion!

My only worry with doing an animal science major is that I am a vegan, and while I don't have a problem with people who do eat meat and everything, I'm not entirely sure how comfortable I would be in a situation where I'm preparing animals to be slaughtered. I'm not 100% sure what an animal science major is, but from what I've heard from people I know in the major, it seems very agricultural-food-based. That being said, I can totally suck it up. It's not that I can't do it, or won't do it, it's just that I'm worried it won't be something I /like/ doing. But I'm more than used to doing things I don't like... and I'm rambling, sorry!

Good luck with finding your internship! I've -- obviously -- heard the same, so you're definitely right about trying it out. 🙂

For what it is worth, I love Alberta and would recommend moving there if interested. I am a native Albertan, so I'm a bit biased 😛

I grew up in Rochester, New York, but we visited all of the Canadian Provinces rather regularly. You may be biased, but I did always love both Alberta and Ontario. 🙂

Pigeonholing yourself too early can become a problem if, for whatever reason, veterinary school does not work out.

Yes, yes, you're completely right. I'm thinking I'll be trying to double-major anyways, perhaps in something like History, should it be at all possible to fill all of the requirements. I suppose the exact double major would depend on where I end up going to school, but that's my plan at the moment. I still really want to have a focus on horses, though, just because I don't feel like I've had enough of a focus on them yet.

The only problem with this plan is that North Carolina has no racing industry.

Thanks for all the tips! And you're definitely right about the NC policies; I moved here from New York, and that wasn't even eight years ago (maybe six? I can't remember), and I know I was here when the proposal for the Education Lottery went through... NC's behind on lots of policies, admittedly.

Yes, yes; KESMARC looks absolutely unbelievable. I'm definitely going to be trying to make that happen in the upcoming years. I feel like the DERBY Program they list would be best, and as that's tailored to students already in Equine Science or Vet School, that would probably be something to do in a few years.

When you mentioned the NCSU prospective meetings, are you speaking of meetings for prospective vet school applicants? I just want to make sure I understood you correctly. 🙂

Are there any other states like this? Soooooooooo interesting!!! Did they used to have horseracing and then it was abolished, or have they never really had it?

I'm not sure of the specifics, but I'm fairly certain NC isn't the only state. It just ties into the history of being very religious-oriented as a southern state, and the whole betting-is-bad thing. I know its not just horse racing, so I'm pretty sure it wasn't "abolished" for any reason other than it's a form of gambling, and all gambling was banned.

I'm taking a horse racing class this semester and some gov't people came to talk to my professor to ask questions about the industry itself, sustainability and such things.

You have a horse racing class? Do most schools have something like that, or is it more unique? I wasn't even aware that was offered anywhere as a class. It's interesting, too, that it's taught in a state that doesn't allow it, though I suppose that has nothing to do with teaching a class on it. Just ironic, really.

Most colleges tend to start in September, though some start in August. However, if you're starting in August, or even in September, you'll probably be finishing classes early to mid-May, so there's time in there for 10-12 weeks, even if it's not three months by name of the month. So, you might schedule it from mid-May to mid-August, depending on your school's calendar.

I was only thinking it would be June through August because it said that it started accepting applications in May, but I just realized I was totally reading that wrong. The applications are for the next calendar year; my mistake. Thank you for the explanation, though! That helps a lot. 🙂

Out of curiosity, when people do internships during a semester, though, are they usually still taking classes at the same time, or not?

 

[Ben and Me]

When you mentioned the NCSU prospective meetings, are you speaking of meetings for prospective vet school applicants? I just want to make sure I understood you correctly. 🙂

This website should become your guideline to map our your college planning.

http://cvm.ncsu.edu/studentservices/admissions.html#Tools

It spells out all the classes you'll need to take in college (at least for NCSU) and gives you a general idea of what they're looking for. You should really strive to meet all the areas that they want you to -- diversity, veterinary experience, etc.

This is a cool-sounding new program that they're promoting now....

http://harvest.cals.ncsu.edu/vetpac/index.cfm?pageID=5165

Closer to home than Kesmarc 🙂

And here is a list of the upcoming admissions sessions:
http://cvm.ncsu.edu/studentservices/admissions-info.html

 

[kakurubird]

Out of curiosity, when people do internships during a semester, though, are they usually still taking classes at the same time, or not?

It will completely depend on the person and the internship. If it's part-time, you can definitely still take classes--a lot of people will do an internship or something similar (research, a job, etc., whatever) while taking classes full-time. With a full-time internship, it's obviously harder to still take classes, but with evening classes, is possible. If you get a little ahead on credits, it's also possible to take a semester off of school to do an internship somewhere--you'll save money with only 7 semesters instead of 8 and internships tend to be less competitive (and so easier to get) during the spring/fall semester rather than over the summer.

 

[PetPony]

My only worry with doing an animal science major is that I am a vegan, and while I don't have a problem with people who do eat meat and everything, I'm not entirely sure how comfortable I would be in a situation where I'm preparing animals to be slaughtered. I'm not 100% sure what an animal science major is, but from what I've heard from people I know in the major, it seems very agricultural-food-based. That being said, I can totally suck it up. It's not that I can't do it, or won't do it, it's just that I'm worried it won't be something I /like/ doing. But I'm more than used to doing things I don't like... and I'm rambling, sorry!

You have a horse racing class? Do most schools have something like that, or is it more unique? I wasn't even aware that was offered anywhere as a class. It's interesting, too, that it's taught in a state that doesn't allow it, though I suppose that has nothing to do with teaching a class on it. Just ironic, really.

One of my friends is a vegetarian and she's an Avian Biology major. She had to take a chicken dissection class and she's been pretty upset about it. She's thinking about not going to vet school and doing rehab or something similar, because she's having such a hard time with it. Her friends and I are Animal Science majors and she really disagrees about some of the things we do in class. It definitely would not be the right major for her. So it really just depends if you can handle it or not. I'm taking the Equine Science Management path in Animal Science, so I don't think I have to take anything meat science classes, but I can't say that for sure right now. We are working with the beef cattle though when they are alive.

We have to take a freshman seminar in our first year about pretty much any topic. There are so many offered here. I was just lucky enough to sign up for classes early and got the race horse class. The horse prof at UGA knows a lot about racing and offered to teach a seminar on it.